Adrian Pearsall designed some of the most exuberant and expressive American chairs, sofas and other furniture of the 1950s and ’60s. For verve and vivacity of form, he surpasses even Vladimir Kagan — whose work is the emblem of swinging, sexy mid-20th century modernism. Pearsall gave his imagination free rein, and his flamboyant, eye-catching styles are icons of what has become known as “Atomic Age” design.
Pearsall studied architectural engineering at the University of Illinois before opening his Pennsylvania furniture company, Craft Associates, in 1952, and that training shows in many designs.
A Pearsall trademark, for example, is a lounge chair with an exceptionally tall, trapezoidal back, which give the pieces a skyscraper-like silhouette. Pearsall also had a talent for so-called Gondola sofas — long, low-slung pieces with upswept ends. Many of Pearsall’s sofas and chairs are supported not by legs, but on gently arced walnut skids.
Pearsall had a gift for tables, too, in particular glass-topped side tables and coffee tables with frames that have the look of an Alexander Calder stabile. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, Pearsall had flair, and his work adds an attention-getting, sculptural exclamation point to any décor.
Find vintage Adrian Pearsall sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique midcentury sofa features stylish curved armrests, original studded upholstery, and a unique finish. Please confirm item location (NY or ...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high-quality long gondola walnut framed sofa Adrian Pearsall style. In new upholstery fabric and high-density foam. An exceptional sofa both f...
Walnut, Fabric, Foam
Martin Borenstein Sofa
By Martin Borenstein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa by Martin Borenstein, USA, c.1950s. The sofa has been newly upholstered in a beautiful Italian velvet alpaca with tan suede trim. The sofa features a walnut side table with thre...
Chrome
Ernst Schwadron Sofa
By Ernst Schwadron
Located in Hanover, MA
Three seat sofa designed by Austrian emigre Ernst Schwadron and retailed through Rena Rosenthal inc. New York in the 1940's. This design was part of his early collection for Knoll w...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-Century 6' Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long mid-century sofa in original blue upholstery. Sculpted walnut frame with bottom runner support. The cushioned arms rest over the wood frame. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Fabric, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Josef Otmar Gondola Sofa
By Otmar, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
Exceptional mid-century modern gondola sofa by celebrated designer Josef Otmar, featuring his signature flowing lines and masterful woodworking. This stunning piece showcases the sc...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in the Manner of Adrian Pearsall, Circa 1950
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid-Century Modern sofa in the manner of Adrian Pearsall. Walnut with slate inlay end tables, Circa 1950s.
Wood
Vintage Paul McCobb Sofa for Directional / Milo Baughman
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Paul McCobb sofa for Directional reupholstered at one point. In pretty nice condition with fabric being usable as-is. minor wear. finish to wood and legs shows...
Upholstery
Guiseppe Scapinelli Sofa
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Washington, DC
A beautifully sculpted sofa by Giuseppe Scapinelli, one of the most important figures of Brazilian Mid-Century Modern design. Created during the height of the designer's career, this...
Upholstery, Wood
Sofa by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Milo Baughman's tapered leg sofa, adorned with a fresh Herman Miller, Alexander Girard fabric and new foam, exudes timeless sophistication. The sleek, tapered legs provide a modern t...
Upholstery, Wood
Walnut and Fabric Sofa
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful 1970s sofa with a walnut leg frame. The sofa has been newly recovered, the frame is in original condition and it has minor chips on the back legs (see detail photos). Me...
Fabric, Walnut
Wicker Scalloped Back Three Seater Sofa 1960’s
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Scalloped wicker back three seater sofa from the 1960’s. Constructed of black lacquered steel, wicker and orang with gold threads Sunbrella fabric cush...
Steel
Black Lacquered and Brass Sectional Sofa by Michael Taylor for Baker
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1950’s four piece black lacquered and brass with off white fabric sectional sofa by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Co. Newly recovered with a soft off white chenille fabric. Th...
Brass
White Lacquered Faux Bamboo Sofa Attributed to Robsjohn Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1960’s white lacquered faux bamboo sofa attributed to Robsjohn Gibbings The frame is caved wood to look like bamboo with original white lacquered finish, newly upholstere...
Fabric, Wood
Swivel Lounge Chairs Designed by Phillip Enfield
By Phillip Enfield
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of swivel lounge chairs by Phillip Enfield. Stainless steel base with newly reupholstered Shagreen leather. These gorgeous chairs swivel 360°, circa 1960s
Stainless Steel
Ultrasuede Cloud Chaise Sofa by Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Ultrasuede and chrome Petite Cloud chaise lounge sofa by Weiman. In original condition, shows minor wear consistent with age. Measurements: 64” wide, 36...
Chrome
